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The UEFA Champions League group phase continues as Sparta Prague host Inter Milan at the epet ARENA on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 20:00 GMT. Inter Milan are closing in on automatic qualification for the last 16, while Sparta Prague are fighting to keep their slim hopes of progression alive.

Interesting Fact: Inter Milan have kept five clean sheets in their six Champions League matches this season, while Sparta Prague have conceded 17 goals in their last four games in the competition.

Team Analysis

Sparta Prague

Sparta Prague have struggled in the Champions League this season, collecting just 4 points from six matches. Their 4-2 defeat to Feyenoord in their last match highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, and they now face an uphill battle to avoid elimination. Domestically, they are also struggling, trailing arch-rivals Slavia Prague in the Czech Liga title race.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses.
• Last match: 4-2 loss to Feyenoord in the Champions League.

Key Players:

• Victor Olatunji: The Nigerian striker has been a standout performer, scoring two goals in the Champions League.
• Kaan Kairinen: The midfielder provides creativity and leadership in the middle of the park.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Imanol Garcia (out, injury).
• Angelo Preciado (out, injury).
• Lukas Haraslin (doubtful, hamstring injury).

Home Form:
Sparta Prague have been inconsistent at home, with one win and two losses in their three Champions League matches at epet ARENA this season.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan have been in excellent form in the Champions League, collecting 13 points from six matches. Their 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in their last match was their first loss in the competition, but they remain on track to secure automatic qualification for the last 16. Domestically, they are also performing well, sitting second in Serie A.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 4 wins, 1 loss.
• Last match: 3-1 win over Empoli in Serie A.

Key Players:

• Lautaro Martínez: The Argentine striker has been in fine form, scoring crucial goals in both the Champions League and Serie A.
• Hakan Çalhanoğlu: The midfielder provides creativity and leadership in the middle of the park.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Yann Bisseck (out, injury).
• Joaquín Correa (out, injury).
• Benjamin Pavard (doubtful, injury).

Away Form:
Inter Milan have been strong on the road, with one win, one draw, and one loss in their three Champions League away matches this season.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

The last meeting between these two sides was in December 2016, when Inter Milan secured a 2-1 victory in the Europa League. This will be their first competitive encounter since then, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Sparta Prague 1-2 Inter Milan

Inter Milan’s superior quality and strong defensive record make them favorites for this clash. However, Sparta Prague’s home advantage and attacking firepower could see them cause problems for the Nerazzurri. Expect a closely contested match, but Inter’s experience and tactical discipline should see them edge it.

Betting Tips

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
   • Both teams have shown attacking prowess in recent matches.
2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
   • This fixture has a history of producing goals.
3. Anytime Goalscorer: Lautaro Martínez
   • The in-form striker is likely to find the net.

Hot Stat: Inter Milan have kept five clean sheets in their six Champions League matches this season, highlighting their defensive strength.

Possible Lineups

Sparta Prague (4-2-3-1):
Jensen; Vitík, Panák, Zelény, Wiesner; Laci, Kairinen; Birmančević, Ryneš, Rrahmani; Olatunji.

Inter Milan (3-5-2):
Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Zieliński, Dimarco; Martínez, Thuram.

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